Military Community Youth Ministries was on site at Fort Hood the other day.

In the providence of Yahweh they were there providing instant ministry and support to the youth of Fort Hood, as well as to a host of others.

Following is their story.

Military Youth Ministries

You have heard the media reports of the deadly event at Fort Hood, Texas. Even as the first reports were emerging and the post was being locked down, Military Community Youth Ministers were feeding souls and filling bellies. Community Director Steve Carter was attending the Garrison chaplains' staff meeting when it was abruptly halted by the news of a shooter on post. Steve's wife and Associate Staff Martie Carter was attending a farewell luncheon for kids from the youth group. As she piled them in the car to take them home, news of a locked down Fort Hood and chaotic information began to flow. Instinctively Martie took these kids to her home where she provided safety and hope as the news stories unfolded. Steve was able to exit the Fort before the lock down and joined Martie in helping kids digest the news. As the day's events went on, kids went from being kids and having Nerf wars to young adults who spent their time in quiet and sometimes angry reflection and questioning. Although the fort was eventually unlocked and parents retrieved their kids, the Carters were well prepared to keep the kids as long as they needed a safe place.

MCYM's Suzann Mayfield, MCYM area coordinator for Fort Hood, was present that week with new staff member Rebekah Sanchez to acquaint her with the staff and area for her "deployment" to ministry on the Dec. 1. Coincidence? I don't think so. God-incidence? Yes, as Rebekah was affirmed in her decision to come to Fort Hood to minister to military kids. She knew firsthand how they felt since she is a military brat herself. She watched and participated as kids questioned and reconciled their faith with the actions of a man whose faith led him to murder innocent soldiers and civilians. Talk about teachable moments! Rebekah watched veteran youth leadership in action and was able to participate alongside them, cementing their need to work together to reach out to the more than 9,000 military teens from this Fort.

Once the kids were back safely in their homes, the team regrouped and decisions were made to cancel Friday meetings to allow the Carters and other MCYM staff to be available to kids in the schools and to the chaplain staff. For his part, Steve Carter, retired Army Chaplain's assistant SGM, ministered to the chaplains. Steve bought nutritious rations to strengthen these chaplain care givers who were working around-the-clock to address immediate concerns for those in distress. Steve showed our partnership with the Fort Hood Chapel community by answering phones, delivering food, directing aid, and even by taking out the trash in the operations center. This hands-on ministry helped the chaplains to more successfully focus on the victims and their families. Through his singular presence the MCYM mission was advanced immeasurably.

Young Life leader and part time MCYM staff Heather Blaylock walked with kids at Copperas Cove High School (in a nearby city). She watched on Friday as fights between struggling teen souls broke out. She comforted as kids questioned why a loving God would allow this to happen and as they contemplated what real safety is. Heather will be there for these kids as they attend memorials and grieve with friends. She, like her counterparts Johnny Russell and Chris Trickett, the Carters and soon to be staff Rebekah Sanchez will be available to share the only true safe place--under the wings of our Father God.

The photograph above, taken by the Associated Press, shows Steve with his family in the midst of military youth doing what he was sent to Fort Hood to do--enhance the kingdom by promoting the power of Christ to strengthen and to heal and to save. The photo was taken during Sunday morning services at the 73rd Street Chapel on Fort Hood. Club Beyond youth typically occupy the first two pews during regular service at the chapel. Club teens were offering prayers for the wounded and killed.

In gratitude,

Marty McCarty

Well done.

xtnyoda, shalomed

H/T Joel... who has worked with MCYM across Europe